About this book

Madagascar is veritable laboratory of evolution and the second richest country in the world where primate diversity is concerned, with 98 endemic species. But it is also a fragile country and its natural riches are rapidly being depleted. In 2012, the IUCN revealed the staggering number of lemur species in danger of extinction. With 15% of species and subspecies of known primates, 20% of genera and 36% of families, Madagascar's responsibility in terms of conservation couldn't be bigger.

Lémuriens de Madagascar synthesises the available data on ecology, distribution and conservation status of lemurs, and allows for their identification in the field. It is hoped this work will contribute to the development of ecotourism in Madagascar, encourages the pursuit of new research, and bolsters the available knowledges on lemur biology. The 102 known taxa are richly illustrated, and the geographical distribution, ecology, and behaviour or each species is described in detail. Coloured borders allow for rapid finding of the five families.

The first six chapters present the geological history of Madagascar, tells the story of how lemurs arrived here, extinc species, their discovery and study, and current conservation issues. Chapters 7 to 11 are the core of the book and present details data for each of the 102 species and subspecies. Finally, appendices offer a large number of topographical maps of the island, its biogeographical regions, floristic domains, and lists places where lemurs can best be observed in their natural habitat.